Hodgkin's lymphoma is one of the malignant lymphoid neoplasias. In most cases, an origin of the lymphoma cells from the B cell series can be determined.
There are two main types: classic Hodgkin's lymphoma, which accounts for the majority of all cases, and lymphocytic predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma, which occurs in only 5% of all cases.
Most commonly, the disease begins in young adults aged 15-35 years, with another peak occurring at the age of 55 years. Men are affected more often. As a rule, the disease is the first to be noticed by painless lymph node swelling in the upper half of the body.
The disease can spread to all lymph node regions or lymphoid structures. Some patients have pronounced B symptoms (weight loss, fever, night sweats).
Typical is an cyclically appearing fever curve (Pel-Ebstein fever). The exact cause is unknown, presumed to be immunological, genetic and environmental factors. Histologically characteristic of Hodgkin's lymphoma is the occurrence of Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells.
The standard therapy is based on two forms of therapy: radiotherapy and chemotherapy. More than 80% of those affected today can be cured long term. This makes Hodgkin's lymphoma one of the most treatable adult malignancies. However, a disease of a secondary malignancy with a latency of up to 30 years (e.g. thyroid carcinoma, breast carcinoma) is not uncommon.
Other possible long-term consequences include infertility, weakening of the immune system, disturbance of thyroid function, heart failure and stroke.